1972: After a playing career with Sheffield United, Halifax, Lincoln and Portsmouth, takes on his first of nine managerial roles at Colchester United.

1974: Takes the Layer Road side to promotion from Division Four.

1980: Enjoys more promotion success when he takes Birmingham City into the top flight.

1984: Wins Third Division championship with Oxford United.

1985: Follows that with the Second Division title. Leaves the club for Queens Park Rangers.

1986: Is beaten by former club Oxford 3-0 in the Milk Cup final at Wembley.

1990: Takes Newcastle to the Second Division play-off semi-final but is beaten by North-East rivals Sunderland. 1991: Resigns as Newcastle manager.

1992: As Portsmouth boss, he misses out on an FA Cup Final appearance when his side are defeated in a penalty shoot-out against Liverpool at Villa Park.

1993: Misses out on promotion to the

Premier League with Portsmouth by just one goal. Are beaten in the play-off semi-final by Leicester.

1995: Is appointed Chief Executive of the League Managers' Association in March. Three months later he joins Derby County as manager.

1996: After a series of impressive buys, including Croatian defender Igor Stimac, Smith takes the Rams to the Premiership in his first season.

1997: Becomes first Derby manager at the new Pride Park stadium.

1999: Guides the club into eighth place in the table and smashes the club transfer record, paying a #4million for Sheffield United's Lee Morris.

2000: Dismal start to the season sees the Rams slump to the foot of the table by the end of October. However, the arrival of ex-player Colin Todd as assistant boss helps Smith to shore up a leaky defence and impressive mid-season performances ensure that Derby comfortably beat the drop by eight points.

2001: Forced to sell Rory Delap to Southampton in the summer, Smith continues to struggle. Turns down director of football role and decides to quit the club on October 8.